It was a day like any other, or so I thought. We arrived at the optometrist’s office only to find out I was three hours early. The receptionist sighed, her expression saying, “Didn’t you get the memo?” Glancing outside, I noticed a flurry of flashing lights—lots of them. A police officer stepped in and calmly informed us we couldn’t leave because of an “ongoing situation.” The receptionist shrugged, saying this cleared her schedule, and I felt a strange mix of luck and unease.
So there we were, waiting. “What’s a ne-go-tee-ah-tor?” my 9-year-old son, Lucas, asked, pointing at a police vest outside. The ponytail of the negotiator obscured the “I,” and I contemplated the exit across the room, where police hadn’t yet ventured. Outside, cruisers and cops were everywhere, and it was clear we weren’t going anywhere anytime soon.
In the waiting room, we were the only ones who looked out of place. Lucas was engaged with a collection of Far Side comics. I suspected he was sneaking glances at the unfolding drama outside when my back was turned. “Look at this one about sheep with steel wool!” he exclaimed, and I chuckled, motioning for him to come away from the window.
Two men stepped outside to snap photos, but the officers quickly ushered them back in. They returned laughing, as if the situation were merely a prank. I couldn’t help but smile. I decided to distract Lucas by exploring the eyeglass display. I tried on several pairs, asking for his opinion on which ones I should get. “Those are the best!” he giggled when I put on a pair that looked just like mine.
Then, I saw an officer without body armor pass by. It seemed like the calm before the storm, but soon, two heavily armed officers dashed past, guns drawn. I took a moment to assess our surroundings. There was so much to consider: heavy objects, hidden nooks, and exits. I texted my husband about the situation but received no answer. When I called, he finally picked up. “We’re okay,” I said, trying to convince myself as much as him.
My optometrist, Dr. Harris, greeted me like he had for the past 16 years. We chatted about the passage of time and our kids growing up. As he examined my eyes, I couldn’t shake the anxiety creeping in. My son was keenly aware, asking questions about what was happening. I explained that it was likely a man threatening to hurt himself and how the police were trying to help. I didn’t want to alarm him, but I also couldn’t lie.
Lucas returned to his comic, and I scanned the room for potential escape routes. I felt like I was in a scene from a movie—one where I never signed up for this kind of drama. I cracked the door open and asked an officer if we could leave. “Wait,” he said, and I felt my heart race. Then, an armored officer instructed us to move quickly between the police cars.
“Go, go, go!” I urged Lucas as we darted out, the officer close behind us. My husband waved from down the street, and for a moment, I forgot about the chaos. But then, a shot rang out from a nearby building, and surprisingly, I didn’t hear it.
We drove a few blocks and picked up my husband, who reassured me we were fine. I felt the weight of the day settling in as I drove past historical landmarks, remnants of battles fought long ago. I glanced in the rearview mirror to check on Lucas, whose silence sent chills down my spine. “Are you buckled in?” I asked, trying to shake off the unease.
As we parked, I tried to lighten the mood. “Well, that was another summer adventure!” I said, but Lucas replied matter-of-factly, “I think I should be in school. They keep us safe.”
I knew better. I paid attention. I reflected on the state of the world and the tragic events that unfolded while we were safe at home. My thoughts spiraled as I thought about the man who would take his own life that day. I wiped away tears behind my sunglasses and turned off the car, pulling weeds from the garden as if that could ground me.
As I opened the door, Lucas asked, “Is there a hostage?” I didn’t have an answer, but the question lingered in the air, heavy and unresolved.
Conclusion
In summary, my trip to the optometrist quickly transformed into an unexpected lesson on fear and safety, showcasing the fragility of life and the unpredictability of the world around us. For more insights into similar experiences, you can check out our other blog posts, including a look at home insemination kits for those considering family expansion. Also, for anyone interested in the intricacies of the IVF process, this resource offers excellent information.